Even though threadlocking compound may not be needed on a nut that's already designed for resisting looseness, thread galling and/or corrosion is always a concern with just about any threaded fastener. A small dab of a low-to-medium threadlocking compound or lubricant will help protect the threads.
First one that comes to mind is anti-seize compound. Some are a mix of aluminum, copper, and graphite lubricant. I use this all the time on my lugs nuts (2000 Toyota Camry with steel wheels) and it seems to keep the rust monster from seizing the threads.
Vaseline WILL work to prevent rust. It's made from petroleum-type products. Try it if you want to see how it works. Won't harm steel.
Many people would recommend the use of oils or lubricants, such as WD40, to prevent rusting and ensure the screw still performs as it should.
Here are a few more tips to help you keep your screws and hardware rust-free: Spray with a moisture repelling oil: I'd maybe say that for very long-term storage, consider spraying screws with a thin coat of WD40, especially uncoated screws such as drywall fasteners.
Spray your fasteners with a zinc based lacquer before you secure them in place. These lacquers will provide a protective barrier and will deter corrosion.
Copper-Based Anti-Seize Lubricant
It is highly resistant to saltwater corrosion and galvanic corrosion and will greatly reduce maintenance challenges caused by parts seizing and rusting together.
The #1-selling penetrant since 1957, PB B'laster quickly busts loose rusted or frozen parts caused by rust and corrosion. It also contains a non-evaporating lubricant that saves time and equipment and protects against further rust and corrosion.
WD-40 Specialist® Corrosion Inhibitor is an anti-rust spray ideal for preventative maintenance and use in extreme environments such as high humidity. It provides non-drying protection that stays where you spray it.
Pro Tip: For metal surface areas that may be susceptible to rust, try WD-40 Specialist Gel Lube. It protects against rust and surface corrosion up to 6X longer than the competition* on horizontal, vertical, and inverted surfaces with a thick, no-drip formula.
Zinc is commonly used to coat screws intended for exterior use through a process called galvanization. Whether through electro-plating or hot dipping, protective layers of zinc are deposited on the steel to form a barrier on the surface.
ZERUST®/EXCOR® Axxanol™ Z-Maxx Anti-Corrosion Grease Series consists of two products, Axxanol™ Z-Maxx and Z-Maxx LV. Z-Maxx is a thick NLGI 2 grease and is also offered as a lower viscosity (LV) NLGI 0 grease that is designed for spreadability and light lubrication properties.
You'll need some rust remove spray (available from your local hardware store) if you don't have one available, use a lubricant spray like WD40 instead. Attack the bolt head / thread again with the wire brush. Spray your rust remover / lubricant one more time, then wipe off with a dry cloth.
Applying appropriate anti-corrosive fastener coatings to threaded components helps deter thread corrosion in fasteners and ensures metal components extend their lifespans. Zinc is one of the most requested anti-corrosion fastener coatings.
As such, stainless steel fasteners offer high levels of corrosion resistance. They're also more cost-efficient than other corrosion-resistant bolts and screws. When stainless steel is exposed to oxygen, it forms a thin layer of chromium oxide.
Like threaded caps, threaded plastic plugs provide a quick fitting and removal to protect these systems and their threaded components. And when you want to prevent or limit fluid leakage, a threaded plug with a seal or o-ring is ideal due to its precise fit.
Lubricant will increase the distance between the two surfaces, reducing the force, called surface tension, required to move them. This can save you money by reducing wear and tear on your equipment. It can also help prevent rust by keeping oxygen and water from reaching the metal surface.
We define a rust inhibitor as a water-based, clear product that is typically used to keep parts from rusting in between processes. Rust inhibitors offer short-term protection for up to 30 days; however, ambient humidity levels can play a factor in the actual life of protection.
Wax-Based. For metal surfaces exposed to outdoor conditions, wax-based rust inhibitors are an excellent choice. These rust inhibitors provide longer-lasting protection than oil-based inhibitors and form a tough, protective film on metal surfaces.
A: PB Blaster is a penetrating oil intended for loosening rusted joints (threads, etc). It does this quite well. WD-40 is a "Water Displacement" treatment intended to leave a persistent rust-inhibiting coating behind, and resist washing off exposed parts.
By applying a thin layer to metal surfaces, it can prevent rust and corrosion. This application is particularly useful for gardening tools, kitchen utensils, and even door hinges, where it can reduce friction and noise.
Anti-seize grease or compound is commonly applied to fasteners to prevent the threads from becoming galled or damaged, especially when dissimilar metals are involved.
The most common way to stop rust on metals is by fragmenting or brushing the metal surface using sandpaper. Another rust removal method is to apply phosphoric acid which converts the red iron oxide into black ferric phosphate on direct application to rusted iron.
The Rust-Oleum 10.25 oz. Aerosol Rust Inhibitor prevents rust without the use of paint. Protects bare metal surfaces against moisture and other elements. It comes in a clear color and is great for garden tools, sporting equipment and other metal items that see periods of inactivity.